All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. v16-17

Paul's closing thoughts to Timothy begin with a warning about persecution and how all believers will face it during their lifetime in some form or another (v12).  Yet he includes several encouragements, including how God has "rescued" Paul from persecution on each occasion (v11).  He then moves on to encourage Timothy to rely on scripture as a source of strength.  As v16-17 indicates, I can unequivocally state in in my own life that scripture is useful and it has equipped me for the circumstances I face, including persecution, my role as a father and husband, and for the good works I pursue in service for Christ.

They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.

2 Timothy 3

They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. v6-7

Paul warns Timothy about how "terrible" the last days will be like.  He describes what non-believers will be like in those days, indicating they will have a "form of godliness".  In v7 Paul indicates that these non believers will "always [be] learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth".  I know some who have an interest in Jesus and faith - but perhaps more from an intellectual or quasi-new age spiritual perspective.  

It's not enough to be curious about God or to have this type of intellectual or quasi-new age spiritual interest in Jesus, we must seek Him to the extent that we understand that we are all fallen, all need a Savior, and Jesus is Savior and Lord of All.  We must then surrender our lives to Him and earnestly seek Him in a daily, life-long and personal relationship with Jesus.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who IS my Lord and Savior.  I DO desire to surrender all of my life to You as I have seen what You have done in my heart and life.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not deserving of such love and blessings.  My words are harsh.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from such sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

2 Timothy 2

Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. v22

Paul writes to Timothy, who by most accounts is younger than many other church leaders at the time - perhaps easily swayed by others the same age pursuing earthly influences.  This of course strikes a chord given Zach and Dustin's age and my role.  I continue to encourage both of them to "[f]lee the evil desires of youth".  Yet in Paul's message there is of course guidance for us all. 

Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. v23-26

I often find myself in "foolish and stupid arguments", being "quarrelsome" and I am reminded to "gently instruct" those who I desire to lead "to a knowledge of the truth".  

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has given me truth and wisdom - I know You are not done with me, yet I am grateful for what You have done for me and continue to do for me.  Thank You Jesus for the blessings You pour out for me.  I am undeserving.  I sin...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.

2 Timothy 2

No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. v4

As Paul foresees his own martyrdom (book overview here), he shares final words of encouragement with his protege Timothy.  Just as he did in his first letter to Timothy (see post yesterday), Paul hopes Timothy avoids the "entanglements" in this world as they can easily take us astray from what is important, and most importantly we exist to glorify God and to bring others to Him. Paul has shared these thoughts not just with pastors as he does with this pastoral epistle to Timothy but also in the general epistles such as Romans (12:2) as well as via references to citizenship in Heaven where our actions reflect our allegiance.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has transformed my heart and life - thank You Jesus for helping me become more like You.  I know that is MUCH more work to do but I am grateful that You adopted me as a child of God.  I am undeserving.  I sin...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind.  Help me love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and in so doing have departed from the faith.

1 Timothy 6

Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and in so doing have departed from the faith. v20-21

In his final charge of this first letter to Timothy, Paul once again returns to the theme of false teachings and teachers. The world would like us to pursue all kinds of ideas but Christ is the source of all wisdom and knowledge and anyone or anything that denies this as such and denies Christ as their Lord and Savior is destined for eternal damnation.  Similarly, those who follow the "godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge" are also destined for destruction.  

We must "be alert and of sober mind" as Satan and his minions can easily lead us astray.  Key is what earthly influences we place around us.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who protects me from harm.  Thank You Jesus for placing Godly influences in my life and for my brothers and sisters in Christ.  I know also that You will never leave or forsake me.  I am grateful.  Yet I know I am undeserving.  I sin...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

1 Timothy 6

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. v6-8

Paul writes to Timothy warning him of the evil of money (v10).  Paul knows how God alone gives us what we need and we should be content with His provision.   Money is important but it can easily distract us from our need for Jesus and How He provides and provides contentment.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, I have seen You provide in all circumstances - I am grateful.  Thank You Jesus for never failing to provide - for all things.  I am undeserving of such blessings.  I sin...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.

1 Timothy 4

Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you. v14

Timothy is known to have a gift of teaching and sharing the Word of God.  He has a passion for it.  Paul writes in 2 Timothy 1 to "fan into flame the gift of God".  What's important here is that we ALL have the gift of God, yet makes each of us unique is HOW God gives us different skills and how He wants us to use this gift of God.

Paul writes about the distribution of gifts in both Romans 12:4-8 and 1 Corinthians 12.

See also this post from August this year.

We should make every effort to determine and discern our gifts - ALL of us are valuable and indispensable.

The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor.  1 Corinthians 12:21-23

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God who loves and who has helped me better understand what roles I can play in the world and in the church - thank You Jesus for this as well as for putting others in my life who have blessed me with THEIR gifts.  I am grateful for how You have knit us together so that we can support and encourage one another.  Yet I am undeserving of such blessings and love - I know I sin and daily.  Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart soul and mind.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.

1 Timothy 1

But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. v16

In v12-17 Paul shares a bit of his testimony and the heart and life change he experienced. We should all acknowledge the "immense patience of God" in our own lives.  I KNOW that God is patient and scripture is full of such examples of how God is slow to anger and abounding in love - He gives us second chances DAILY!

That is why Paul appropriately writes in Romans 12:1 that we should "offer [our] bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is [our] true and proper worship".

God is great indeed!

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who gives me second chances daily - thank You for for your immense patience and that You are slow to anger and abounding in love.  I need this love in my life and cannot live without it - it feeds and sustains me.  Yet I know I am undeserving of it - all the more reason why I am thankful.  Please forgive me for the sin I commit daily even the sin I know I will commit today.  Please help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

We know that the law is good if one uses it properly.

1 Timothy 1

We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. v8

Paul starts out writing Timothy about the need to prevent the spread of false teaching.  Doctrinal truth is critical and we should avoid false teachers and teachings for many reasons - which of course starts with a desire to SEEK truth (or a "hunger and thirst for righteousness" - see also Matthew 5:6).  We can practically gain a better understanding of truth through both our own study as well as study with and through others as "iron sharpens iron" (Proverbs 27:17).  

John Piper provides great insights into how the search for truth and fellowship/unity are both important - see this post.  Unity can only be gained through truth.  Piper calls this "purity for the sake of unity".

On the other hand, which is also what Piper indicates, false teaching creates division.

If we have truth in our heart, we should expect to see fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) - I believe it is useful to ask those around us if fruit is present in our lives.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, I am grateful for the fruit You have produced in my life.  I know You are not done but I DO know that fruit is present - thank You Jesus!  Thank You for giving me a desire for You, faith, and truth.  Yet I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin continues - daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you.

2 Thessalonians 3

We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. v7-9

Paul warns the Thessalonians about some in the church that are idle.  The definition includes those "avoiding work", "without purpose", or those who are inactive.  On the subject of laziness, this post at DesiringGod.com indicates that "Paul does not soft-pedal laziness. It is profoundly unchristian. It betrays a gospel that does not demand our activity up front but always produces activity in and through us. And laziness dishonors the power and strength that has come to dwell in us in Christ: God the Spirit himself".  

We must not "tire of doing what is good" (v13) but instead work "night and day".  

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

We must examine our time and push ourselves to direct more of it towards the glory of God.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has blessed me beyond my imagination - not because I deserve but because You are full of love and grace.  I am grateful.  Yet I know I don't deserve it...my sin is daily and great.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

[Satan] will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing.

2 Thessalonians 2

[Satan] will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. v9-10

Paul seeks to point the Thessalonians to Jesus, as they have been led astray by false teachers claiming that Christ has already returned (rapture).  This is what Satan does - he leads people astray!  Believers must be sober and alert!

Non-believers must repent and believe for the remainder of v10-12 contains a stark warning for those who do not believe.

They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness. v10-12

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God because You came to save me and others who believe!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and blessing.  I often put myself first above God and above others.  Forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well.

2 Thessalonians 1

God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well.  v6-7 

The MacArthur Bible Study Commentary (for purchase) indicates that the timing of this letter "was surely a few months after the first epistle" citing Acts 18:11 indication that the 18 month period when Paul was in Corinth was "ample" time for both epistles to be authored.  Per this overview, The church in Thessalonica needed encouragement, instruction on how to discern false teachers, and to focus on their faith, service to God and to one another, and to remain unified.  

Paul encourages the Thessalonians to remain strong in the face of perspecution.  He tells them that "God is just" - indeed.  See also posts here on this topic.  In particular this post is useful.   

We often grow weary when we face persecution.  Yet we can take comfort that God sees it all and the wicked will not go unpunished and the faithful will be rewarded.

For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. Luke 8:17

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who sees everything and is just.  I am encouraged to remain faithful and to be strong in the face of persecution.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worthy of such love and blessing.  I sin...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.  

Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5

Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. v15-18

John Piper wants us to more broadly view v16-18 to include v15 as he believes it provides important context.  In the post I reference, Piper writes that v15 "is a radical call to counter intuitive, counter cultural love. Don’t repay people evil for evil. Do good to everyone always."  He goes on to state that Paul wants us to "rejoice always" and that this "is not the kind of emotional response one would ordinarily have to being mistreated and treating others better than we are treated".  Finally, Piper states that we can rejoice and be thankful always - even in the face of persecution - by praying and by being "in a continual disposition of thankfulness to God".

Piper than gives us greater insight into how we can pray and be in a "continual disposition of thankfulness to God".  

In particular I am encouraged to set aside specific times of day for prayer and to create habits of prayer - much like Daniel's three times a day (see Daniel 6).

I am grateful for John Piper's insights into Paul's letter to the Thessalonians.  

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are worthy of thanks, praise and prayer as You are the source of life and all good things.  You have blessed me beyond what I deserve and my cup runs over.  Thank You Jesus.  Yet again I am not deserving.  I sin...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.

1 Thessalonians 4

As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. v1

Paul is pleased with the church in Thessalonica but just as God seeks spiritual growth in all of us, Paul is pushing the church to grow.  Before I get into the specifics of where Paul seeks this growth, I am pausing today to focus on the general topic of spiritual growth.  I have previously posted how growth is not an option (per John Piper).  We are called to grow closer to God and become more like Him.  This starts by assessing where we are and surrounding ourselves with others that can push us and support us in our areas of growth.

Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about cleansing rite, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so. Hebrews 6:1-3

From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Ephesians 4:16

See also

We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority.

1 Thessalonians 2

We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. v4-6

As Paul describes his ministry and the opposition he faced (v2) he goes on to remark about how it does not matter whether he faced opposition or not because he knows that God wants him to continue doing what he is doing and it does not matter how others feel about his ministry as long as it pleases God.  

Many of us seek earthly recognition, status, etc. and this is a powerful idol.  This begs the question of how do we know if what we are doing is pleasing to God.  Renewal of the mind is key.  This is a significant area of study - John Piper has many thoughts on this topic.  

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who has provided great clarity for me in many areas of my life and Your will - thank You Jesus.  I depend on You for direction and clarity and without it I would be utterly lost!  I am undeserving of Your wisdom and love.  I sin daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere.

1 Thessalonians 1

The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. v8

Based on overviews of 1 Thessalonians from OverviewBible.com and the MacArthur Bible Study Commentary (for purchase), Paul writes this church, which he founded during his 2nd missionary journey, to commend the church for its faith, hope, and love and also to highlight areas of growth - challenging them to grow into the people God intends for them.

In chapter 1 we see right away how Paul commends the church - particularly because the church exists to glorify God, bring others to Christ and bring believers closer to Christ.

We should be challenged to model Jesus to the extent that OUR faith becomes known everywhere!

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You want US to make YOU known everywhere - so we are to become Your ambassadors to display Your greatness - because You are worthy and that is why we exist!  Thank You Jesus for the many miracales You pour out for me.  I am not deserving.  I often neglect my relationship with You or don't treat with the priority it should have - please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects oc chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Colossians 4

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. v6

We as believers are called to be "salt" or "salty" in several places throughout scripture.  We all know salt to be a preservative or spice "that gives savor, piquancy, or zest"..."flavor".  John Piper uses this verse in Colossians and others to demonstrate that not only are we as believers "preserved", but we are also to have such zest and zeal for Jesus and the life He gives us (regardless of the circumstances) that others are to be attracted to Jesus through us.    

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are amazing...You have preserved me for eternity and blessed me with a life of abundance...beyond what I deserve. Thank You Jesus.  Yet my sin persists and I need Your forgiveness - daily!  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.... Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.... Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Colossians 3

Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.... Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged....Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. v19,21,23-24

Instructions for Christian Households indeed!  As a follow up to my post yesterday on heart and life transformation, today's post serves to reinforce yesterday's scripture with additional instructions as I call out the implications that exist for husbands, fathers, and workers. 

If we are to be a light, we must model Jesus and for us to model Jesus, we must seek heart and life transformation.  We must hunger and thirst for righteousness.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.  Matthew 5:6

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are light and You pulled me out of the darkness into the light and gave me life...to the full!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings. I sin daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. v17

In Colossians 3-4, Paul focuses on practical advice on Christian living, including:

- Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. v5
-  But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Dos not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices[.] v8-9
- [C]lothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. v12-14

Questions may arise regarding how we can do these things - key is that we cannot...in our own strength.  It is only through Christ that our hearts and lives are transformed.   No doubt there is more work to be done but God has accomplished miracles in my life as I have drawn close to Him and allowed Him to be more.

He must become greater; I must become less. John 3:30 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who has transformed my heart and life - thank You Jesus for the work You have done in me.  I am grateful.  Yet I know I am undeserving.  My sin is great and daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin .  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Colossians 2

My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. v2-3

As he strives to help us best understand our identity in Christ and what we have in Christ, Paul wants us to grasp the "full riches of complete understanding" and the "treasures of wisdom and knowledge" that come from knowing and accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior.   Paul has previously referred to the "surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord" (Philippians 3:8).

The "value" of Jesus as our Lord and Savior, as well as the value of the Holy Spirit, the Word, etc. is frequently discussed in scripture.

See also

fruit [that] is better than fine gold...[it] surpasses choice silver" (v19).

For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Colossians 1

For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. v16-17

Much like Galatians, Paul's letter to the church in Colossae serves to warn the believers there of .  In his attempt to do, per OverviewBible.com and the MacArthur Bible Study Commentary (for purchase), Paul seeks to (1) remind believers of who God is and their identity in Christ, and (2) provide practical advice on Christian living.

Colossians is also a prison epistle. 

I have many times referenced Colossians 1:16-17 to remind myself of how God is in control and on the subject of free will.  Both are weighty topics and underscore the importance of renewal of the mind.  

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You ARE in control and thank You for it!  My life would be a mess otherwise!  Being in control otherwise would mean less of You and more of me - again leading to destruction!  Thank You Jesus for what You have done to transform my heart and life to make me more like You.  I am blessed beyond what I deserve.  Thank You.  Yet...again...I am undeserving.  I am selfish, etc. Please forgive me Jesus as my sin is great and daily.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. v12-13

My sense is that v13 is more often quoted than v12, yet v12 I believe is equally important because it clarifies and qualifies the basis for the strength found in v13.  Strength is found regardless of circumstances - changing circumstances (health, wealth, etc.) do not result in strength.  Strength is a constant as it comes from God - who does not change and who is always with us.

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.

Philippians 4

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. v9

Paul wants us to imitate him as he imitated Christ.  We must not be just hearing the Word.  We must be DOERS of the Word as James says: 

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. James 1:22-25

This is important because people are watching us and we lack an ability to influence others for Christ if we are not demonstrating Christ in our own lives - plain and simple.

See also this post from DesiringGod.com and another from a sermon I found online.

My Prayers: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has transformed my heart and life - I am blessed beyond what I deserve.  Thank You Jesus!  I know I am undeserving because my sin continues and Your work in me is not complete.  Forgive me Lord for my sin, which is daily, and help me turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa from her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

Philippians 3

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. v20-21

Paul desires for us to "press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus' (v14) - we are to .  God is doing something in our lives and He is not done yet - in the meantime, our

But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.

Philippians 3

But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. v7-9

Jesus wants us to make Him the highest priority in our lives.  We exist to glorify God and the most important commandment is to love God.  Yes there are other commandments but we have to start with acknowledging our need for a Savior, Jesus is that Savior, and surrendering our life to Jesus through the daily practices of spiritual disciplines such as Bible study, prayer, etc. 

Paul refers to what he may have lost in his pursuit of Jesus as garbage; this is an apt description for what the world defines as success or status.   It means nothing and leads to destruction and eternal damnation.  

Jesus must be everything.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has revealed to me the surpassing worth of Jesus and I am grateful!  Thakn You Jesus.  I am not deserving of such a gift and the blessings that follow.  I am selfish, lazy and have other sin.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply your message for me today and every day.

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.

Philippians 2

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. v14-16

As a follow up to my post yesterday where I emphasized that we exist to glorify God, Paul is making a similar plea in today's verses.  His plea today is that we not grumble and complain...it is qualified with a reason why..."then you shine among them"....

Bottom line just as Paul states in 1 Corinthians 10:31 "[s]o whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God".  Whether we are parents, in the workplace, in our neighborhood, etc.  others are watching You and God wants us to be His ambassadors.  We are to be a light.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has done and continues to do so much both in me and for me - thank You Jesus for all of the love and compassion You pour out on me.  I am not deserving.  I sin...in countless ways I cannot full grasp....this I know.  Please forrgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Philippians 2

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. v3-4

Consistent with the theme of joy throughout Philippians, Paul believes that it will bring him great joy (v2) if we are to empty ourselves of our selfish desires and instead become more like Christ.  Counter to what the world believes, our humility will not only bring joy to Paul but also to Christ and bring glory to God - which is why exist.

V6-8 articulates Christ's humility as part of God's plan to provide salvation for those who believe.  In particular v6-7 which states:

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

Through the Holy Spirit, believers have access to the and power and wisdom of God yet once again it is not for our advantage but for God.  Love God and love others.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You did not take advantage of Your time on earth to enrich Yourself but instead died a gruesome death on the cross...so that I could have life...and to the full.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and such a gift.  I sin...I am lazy, selfish, etc.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Philippians 1

 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. v21

Both Overviewbible.com and MacArthur Bible Study Commentary (for purchase) describe the "joyful tone" of Philippians.  Indeed, Paul is writing this letter from prison in Rome to the church in Philippi. For more on Paul's imprisonment and the "prison epistles", check this out.

Paul is joyful because of his freedom in Christ - as v21 captures this joy.  It is essentially a no lose situation for him.  As long as the gospel is advanced, he is good with that.  Paul is at the center of God's will - this is true joy and freedom in Christ.  John Piper also describes this freedom in Christ: "Freedom is doing what you love to do, if what you love to do is what you ought to do, and transformation is the change of our hearts, so that what we love to do is what we ought to do."  Piper describes how we can achieve this transformation of our hearts and minds here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who HAS transformed my heart and life - this I KNOW!  Yet I know this work is still in progress and there is much to do.  Thank You Jesus for the miracles You have worked in my life.  I am not deserving for the many, many blessings You pour out for me.  I sin...daily.  I am selfish, lazy, etc.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith. Provide Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.